DISKIT MONASTERY

Explore the scenic Nubra Valley and visit the captivating Diskit Monastery renowned for its serene ambiance and iconic 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue. Perched at an altitude of 10,308 feet, it offers breathtaking views of Diskit Village and the surrounding desert landscape. Inside, marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn the prayer hall. Head to the monastery’s storehouse that safeguards precious Mongolian and Tibetan religious texts. Nearby, the ancient Lachung Temple houses a revered idol of Tsong Khapa, adding to the spiritual attraction of this historic site. 

Embark on a timeless journey at Diskit Monastery which is located in the stunning Nubra Valley of Ladakh. The monastery is also known as Deskit Gompa and you will learn that it is the oldest and largest monastery in the area. See how it holds deep connections to Tibetan folklore, including stories of a legendary Mongolian demon. Explore its sacred halls which are believed to house the remains of this mythical creature. You should also witness the vibrant celebrations of festivals like "Dosmoche," where masked monks depict the win of good over evil.

Dating back to the 14th century, Diskit Monastery follows the teachings of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Climb up the rocky steps to marvel at panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Admire the simple yet elegant architecture, featuring a prayer hall with a statue of Maitreya Buddha. It also has an elevated cupola or dome showcasing frescoes of the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. You will discover a wealth of ancient texts in Tibetan and Mongolian once you enter the monastery which offers a glimpse into Ladakh’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Highlights

• Soak in the beauty of Ladakh and the breathtaking vistas of Diskit Village and the surrounding landscape from Diskit Monastery.
• Find the renowned Lachung Temple above the monastery featuring a large idol of Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelugpa sect.
• Admire the monastery's architecture, including its prayer hall with a statue of Maitreya Buddha and colourful water paintings depicting revered monasteries.
• Visit the Monastery School where you will find approximately 100 monks offering computer facilities and teaching science subjects in English to Tibetan children.

How To Reach

1. By car: The most convenient way to reach Diskit Monastery is by road, travelling via the Manali-Leh highway through either Manali or Srinagar. The journey from Leh to Diskit in Nubra Valley includes passing through South Pullu, an army camp, then continuing to Khardung La before descending to North Pullu, Khardung Village, and Khalsar Village. At Khalsar Village, the road splits into two, with the left path leading to Diskit and Hunder villages, while the right path goes to Sumur and Panamik villages in Nubra Valley.

2. By Taxi: During summer, local taxis operate in Ladakh from Sumur or Leh. Hire a cab from Leh to Nubra, passing through Khardung La to Khalsar village. From there, take a left turn to Diskit Village. The total distance that you will cover is approximately 115 km and will take you around 3 hours and 20 minutes. 

3. By Bus: There are buses that operate a few days of the week from Leh. Departing from Leh bus stand, these buses offer a convenient option to reach Diskit through South Pullu, which is an army camp. You will cover a distance of approximately 115 km which will take you around 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Best Time To Visit

Diskit Monastery is a year-round destination as Ladakh experiences cool weather conditions for most of the year.

1. Best season: The best time to visit Diskit Monastery is from May to September, as this period offers pleasant weather and accessible roads. During these months, you can explore the monastery and the surrounding areas without worrying about extreme temperatures or road closures due to snowfall. Moreover, the clear skies and mild temperatures during this season provide ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Nubra Valley.

2. Best time of the day: The best time of day to visit Diskit Monastery is in the morning, preferably during the early hours around 7 AM to 9 AM. Arriving early allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for exploring the monastery and its surroundings. You can also witness morning prayers or rituals conducted by the monks, providing a unique and authentic experience of monastery life.

3. Best day of the week: The best day to visit Diskit Monastery is during weekdays. Weekdays tend to be less crowded compared to weekends, allowing you to explore the monastery and its surroundings in a more peaceful environment. Visiting on a weekday may provide opportunities to interact with monks or witness traditional ceremonies without distractions.

Other Essential Information

• Rest on your first day to adjust to the altitude and harsh climate of Ladakh.
• Watch for altitude sickness and be aware of symptoms as even experienced travellers can be affected.
• Use sunscreen to shield yourself from strong UV rays, and wear sunglasses on sunny days.
• Bring warm clothes and a down jacket if visiting in winter.
• Respect monastery rules, wear conservative clothing, and follow photography restrictions.
• BSNL, Jio, or Airtel postpaid are reliable options for network coverage, so choose the right phone network.